Kate Middleton reportedly wanted Prince George to have different name before royal choice

The couple reportedly 'spent hours' researching names and were given a baby name book by a close friend

A new book claims that Catherine, Princess of Wales, initially wanted to give Prince George a different name before she and Prince William settled on their final choice.

According to an excerpt from William and Catherine, The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story, due for release on March 10, the Prince and Princess of Wales spent significant time considering potential names ahead of the birth of their first child in July 2013.

Mirror Royal Editor Russell Myers writes that the couple “spent hours” researching names and were given a baby name book by a close friend. “The couple had been given a book of baby names by a close friend, which they spent hours thumbing through – they often ended up in fits of laughter after one or the other had presented a more left-field suggestion,” the author states.

William is said to have joked with his press team during meetings, suggesting names such as “What do you think about Rodney for a boy, or maybe Graham?” before laughing at their reactions.

The book claims, “Catherine had her heart set on Alexander for a boy or Alexandra (also Queen Elizabeth’s middle name) for a girl. William had privately voiced his preference for having a girl, and was keen to incorporate a tribute to his late mother, most likely in the form of a middle name.”

William reportedly favoured a more traditional option, leading to a shortlist of George and Louis for a boy. The couple ultimately chose George Alexander Louis for their eldest son. They later used Louis as the name of their youngest child, born in 2018.

The book offers fresh insight into the private discussions behind one of the most closely watched royal naming decisions in recent years.